Man United legend Rio Ferdinand settles Gareth Bale vs David Beckham debate once and for all

Rio Ferdinand expertly broke down who was the better player overall between Los Angeles FC star Gareth Bale and Manchester United legend David Beckham.

Bale made a name for himself during a prolific first spell at Tottenham before Real Madrid snapped him up for a staggering £85.3m transfer fee in 2013.

Following his then-world-record transfer to Madrid, Bale continued to excel in the Spanish capital despite being met with fierce criticism from fans.

The 33-year-old Welsh winger lifted three La Liga titles, five Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey during his impressive spell with Los Blancos.

Bale was loaned out to Spurs for a second spell for the 2020-21 season before leaving Madrid back in the summer for a move to MLS outfit LAFC.

Beckham, often considered one of the best wingers of all time, shot to superstardom during his illustrious playing career at Old Trafford.

The 47-year-old ex-England captain enjoyed a glittering run under Sir Alex Ferguson and lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League and two FA Cups at United.

Beckham, much like Bale, found success outside of England on the football pitch and won league titles with both Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

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Ferdinand played alongside Beckham for both club and country and pointed to his former United teammate’s influence in the Red Devils’ treble-winning season.

However, the United legend believes Bale was the “best British player” to play abroad and produced the “big moments” to win major trophies in his career.

Speaking to BBC Sport during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (watch it above), Ferdinand said: “In terms of career, trophies, Gareth Bale, 100 per cent. There is no question about it.

“Who’s the better player? In terms of… again, Gareth Bale in big moments produced big moments to win big trophies.

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“But then you look at Becks, what he did in [Manchester United’s] treble season and arguably one of the best players around at that point.

“It’s a hard one. Gareth Bale, he’s the best British player to go abroad. Easily. Who’s better than him? And when he’s been there has done what he’s done?

“Becks didn’t do it.”

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